The Stonington Prevention Council and Groton Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention are teaming up to prevent underage drinking through beverage server education.

The substance abuse prevention program, "Project 21," will focus on preventing underage drinking in the two towns, particularly the Mystic area, by educating bars, restaurants and liquor stores about the importance of not selling or serving alcohol to people under age 21 for both legal and health purposes.

Free electronic vouchers for Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) training, a strategy to prevent underage drinking, drinking to excess and drunken driving, are available for local establishments looking to enhance their staff training. In addition to protecting public health, the two groups said TIPS certification can help people in the hospitality industry get jobs an protect employers from legal ramifications associated with serving underage patrons or overserving patrons.

Certificates will be awarded when the participant completes the course and passes the exam.

Project 21 will also provide educational materials to local businesses, including information about the danger of underage drinking, underage drinking prevention, tips on how to properly check IDs and reminders about the legal problems they could face if they serve underage people. A pledge card will be available for the owner and employees to sign. Businesses are encouraged to tighten policies for their staff to ensure that they never serve to a minor and always pass state compliance checks.

For more information or to receive an education packet or TIPS e-voucher, contact Carolyn Wilson, GASP Coordinator at Ledge Light Health District at Health District 860 446 3062 or cwilson@llhd.org. For more information about TIPS visit www.gettips.com